The Polar Express
A treasured holiday story comes alive at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park for four weekends in November and December. Families can board a special train car and travel to the “north pole,” including Christmas music and cookies. PJs are encouraged. Dates and other information can be found at wcra.org.
A Christmas Story (Nov. 29 to Dec. 8)
Between Shifts Theatre presents A Christmas Story, a rendition of the classic movie that includes all the beloved elements, including the family’s temperamental furnace, Scut Farkas (the school bully), Ralphie’s father’s award-winning lamp and the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin. Visit betweenshiftstheatre.com for show times.
Spirit of Christmas Trail (Dec. 1 – Jan 6)
Join in on this magical Christmas forest walk decorated with seasonal décor and thousands of Christmas lights. This mountain-top holiday adventure at the Sea to Sky Gondola is guaranteed to get your whole family into the spirit of the season.
Artisan Holiday Celebration (Nov. 20, Dec 1, 2)
Join in the festivities of the fifth annual Foyer Gallery Artisan Holiday Celebration on Nov. 30 and Dec.1 to 2 at the Squamish Public Library. There will be an artisan market, bake sale, live music and artist demonstrations. Santa is arriving on Dec. 2! Visit squamish.bc.libraries.coop for times.
Pet Photos with Santa
Something special for our pets! The Sea to Sky SPCA is hosting pet photos with Santa at Bosley's in downtown Squamish on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All well-behaved/kenneled pets are welcome. Contact 604-898-9890 or seatoskyspca.bc.ca for more information.
21 Days of Christmas
It’s 21 Days of Christmas shopping in December! Each participating store has a special day and if you stop by at that time you could win a stocking full of fun merchandise or gift certificates. Shop on all 21days and you could win one of 21 stockings worth $100 each. It all starts at The Ledge Community Coffee House on Dec. 1. Visit downtownsquamish.com for details.
Pancakes with Santa Claus
Santa visits the Sea to Sky Gondola during December, and children of all ages are invited for a pancake breakfast and festive holiday crafts. Take photos with Santa, work on a holiday postcard and create magical reindeer treats 2,800 feet above sea level. Prices and dates are available at seatoskygondola.com. And, get warm and cozy at the Sea to Sky Gondola as they share beloved stories of the season this December. Storytime will be followed by a festive craft, and hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Visit seatoskygondola.com for dates.
Santa visits Britannia Mine
The spirit of Christmas returns on Saturday, Dec. 8 with family-friendly activities at Britannia Mine Museum, including a train ride with one of Santa’s elves inside the mine tunnel and photos with Kris Kringle himself after.
A life-sized gingerbread world is in the Machine Shop, where Mrs. Claus will help you make your own gingerbread house to take home. Don’t forget to grab a cup of hot chocolate. Visit bcmm.ca for more details.
Santa Claus Parade (Dec. 1)
Santa is always sure to touch down in Squamish and roll down Cleveland Avenue. Hosted by the Downtown Squamish BIA, the parade begins at 4 p.m. and includes many colourful floats from local businesses and organizations. Join Santa for hot chocolate, pictures and to explore his workshop at The Ledge Community Coffee House. Visit downtownsquamish.com for details.
Squamish Winter Farmers Market
Squamish’s much-loved Farmers’ Market doesn’t come to an end during the colder months. Instead, this year vendors will move to the Squamish Adventure Centre and the market will continue every Saturday from Nov. 3 to Dec. 22. Dates and details can be found at squamishfarmersmarket.com.
Sea to Sky Annual Christmas Show (Dec. 1, 5)
Enjoy an evening of performances as you’re taken on a skating adventure of “Christmas Thru the Ages. “ This annual fundraiser is looked forwarded to by the skaters and audiences alike. Bring the whole family for an evening of skating, and help support the club through the silent auction and raffles! Admission by donation. Dec.1 at 5:30 p.m. Dec 5 at 5 p.m.
Photos with Santa
Double Shutter Images is offering photos with Santa at several locations throughout December:
Saturday, December 1, 10am-1pm at Squamish United Church for their Christmas Holiday Fair (photos $15).
Sunday, December 2, 10am-3pm at the Squamish Public Library for the Foyer Gallery Artisan Holiday Celebration (photos $15).
Monday, December 3, 4pm-7pm at Canadian Tire with photos offered at no charge for their customer appreciation.
Saturday, December 8, 10am-3pm for Christmas Magic at Britannia Mine Museum with photos included in admission.
Friday, December 14, 4pm-7pm at A-FRAME Brewing for a fun family event including their fire pit, live music, and food (photos $15).
Sip n Shop Night Market (Dec. 7)
Enjoy an evening of adulting while you sip, shop and socialize – free from the prying eyes of children, from 7 to 9 p.m. Adult beverages available. Visit squamishwaldorf.com for more information.
Community Christmas Dinner, Wine Pairing Evening (Dec. 7, 14)
Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a family-style three-course meal while listening to carolers in the Summit Lodge at the Sea to Sky Gondola on Dec. 7. Call 604-892-2550 ext. 1571 or email sales@seatoskygondola.com to book. And, experience holiday cheer for adults on Dec. 14. Guests to the annual holiday wine dinner are invited to enjoy wine expertly paired with locally sourced food. Details available at seatoskygondola.com.
Polar Bear Dip (Jan. 1)
Start your new year with a bold splash in the Howe Sound. An official event hasn’t been announced yet for 2019, but swimmers traditionally go for the annual dip around noon at Nexen Beach. Remember to bring warm clothes so you don’t catch a cold after!
Winter Eagle Festival & Count
While wintering eagles are busy all winter long, the annual bird count takes place in January. The count is organized by the Squamish Environment Society, and the Brackendale Art Gallery hosts many cultural events during the month-long festival. Annual events include photography shows, art, music, and lectures. Check brackendaleartgallery.com for details on this year’s programming.
Craft Fairs and Bazaars
Shannon Falls Retirement Residence Christmas Craft Sale (Nov. 24)
Residents, staff and friends have been busy all year knitting, felting and making crafts for their annual craft fair on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Crafts from Uganda will also be available. Come check out these festive gifts.
St. John the Divine Anglican Church Bazaar (Nov. 24)
Merry Christmas! St. John the Divine Anglican Church is holding its annual Church Bazaar, featuring plenty of local vendors with many gift options, an array of delicious home-baked goods, a raffle, sewing, crafts, jewelry, refreshments and a knife-sharpening service. The bazaar runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit the nativity display in the church on the same day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (note Sunday worship is from 10 to 11 a.m.).
Hospital Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar (Nov. 24)
The Squamish General Hospital Auxiliary Society will hold their annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sea to Sky Hotel. The auxiliary fall raffle winning tickets will be drawn at noon.
St. Joseph’s Parish Bazaar (Nov. 24)
It’s that special time of the year again! Stop by
St. Joseph’s Parish annual Christmas bazaar do plenty of festive vendors and delicious treats, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Garibaldi Elementary Craft Fair (Nov. 29)
Stop by this festive event for the whole family, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The day includes crafts and unique gifts, silent auction, bake table, kids craft room, Christmas café and a photo booth.
Mamquam Elementary Christmas Craft Fair (Nov. 23)
Support your community at the annual Mamquam Elementary School Christmas Craft Fair, featuring 25-plus local vendor tables, bake sale, silent auction, candy kabob table, and pictures with Santa. The craft fair runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
Christmas Craft Fair at Squamish United Church (Dec. 1)
Join Santa Claus at Squamish United Church’s annual Family Christmas Craft Fair. Shop from local vendors, get your photo taken with Santa and take part in a festive Christmas music class. Visit squamishunitedchurch.org from more information.
Brackendale Art Gallery Artisan Craft Market (Dec. 8)
Merry Christmas! Brackendale Art Gallery Artisan Craft Market is full of finely-crafted holiday gifts on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sweet bread and spiced cider are available by cash donation to the Squamish Food Bank. BAG menu, wine, beer and coffee is available all day.
Squamish Waldorf Christmas Fair (Dec. 8)
A seasonal favourite, the Squamish Waldorf Christmas Fair is packed with crafts and activities for children, a curated market, fresh food and baked goods. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Last-minute Craft Fair (Dec. 22)
This is your chance to buy last-minute presents! The Last-minute Xmas Craft Fair takes place on Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Totem Hall. It's hosted by the "Awesome Nerds."
